INORGANIC CHEMISTRY A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z                    HOME ABOUT CATEGORIES SITE MAP COPYRIGHT ADVERTISE CONTACT entire Web this site zirconium (Zr) A silvery-white, metallic element in group IVB of the periodic table; zirconium is a transition element. It was discovered in 1789 by Martin Klaproth in Berlin; its name comes from the Arabic zargun meaning "gold color." Zirconium occurs naturally as zircon (ZrSiO4), baddeleyite (ZrO2), and some 30 other mineral species. Naturally occurring zirconium contains five isotope (the commonest being 90Zr, 51.46%); fifteen other isotopes are known to exist. Zirconium is extracted by reducing zirconium (IV) chloride with magnesium (the Kroll process). It is chemically similar to titanium, and is corrosion-resistant at ordinary temperatures, owing to an inert oxide layer, but reactive at high temperatures. Zirconium is used in photographic flash bulbs, to clad uranium fuel elements in nuclear reactors, and to make surgical implants, including tooth implants. The refractory oxide is used for ceramics, and other zirconium compounds are used in phramaceuticals and as mordants in dyeing. atomic number 40 relative atomic mass 91.2 atomic radius 160 pm electron configuration [Kr]5s24d2 relative density 6.49 (at 20°C) melting point 1,852°C (3,366°F) boiling point 4,377°C (7,911°F) Extraterrestrial sources Zirconium is found in abundance in S stars, and has been identified in the Sun and meteorites. Analysis of lunar rock samples obtained during the various Apollo missions to the Moon show a surprisingly high zirconium oxide content, compared with terrestrial rocks. Related category    • INORGANIC CHEMISTRY Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) BACK TO TOP